Latinas' Engineering-Related Identity Development Through Discourse and Affinity Support

• In Event: 16.059 - Poster Session 2
  In Poster Session: 16.059-3 - Division C Section 1e: Enhancing Diversity in Computer Science and Engineering Education

Abstract

Women’s enrollment in undergraduate engineering majors remains significantly low comparing to other disciplines, especially for Latina student. The purpose of the study is to investigate how some Latina students successfully developed their engineering related identities and further declared their majors in engineering. The data sources include 17 deep interviews with Latina students on their reasons and decision-making process of choosing an engineering major. Drawing on an identity framework, this study identified six different forms of discourse and affinity supports to help Latinas develop engineering identities. These findings help us better understand how some Latinas identified with the discipline of engineering and how we may create a more supportive environment for Latina students.

Authors

• Pei-Ling Hsu, University of Texas - El Paso

• Karla Martinez